Mumbai City were experiencing a sudden drop in form since facing East Bengal on 22 January. Although they had won the tie, they were dominated by the Red and Golds in the second half of the game and from then things started to go south for the Islanders.
After the East Bengal tie, Sergio Lobera won just one match in their next six outings, drew twice and lost three matches. From getting 25 points in the first phase and being in pose position to get the AFC Champions League (ACL) slot by topping the league stage, Mumbai were slowly drifting away from their goal.